We are extremely pleased to offer the new and outstanding vintage from Domaine Didier Dagueneau.

If there were ever any doubts that Louis-Benjamin Dagueneau, son of the late Didier, could carry on his father’s brilliant legacy, these were well and truly quashed by the continued, superb quality of the 2008 and 2009 vintages. Louis-Benjamin’s 2010s have only served to concrete that impression, with all accounts hailing these wines as every bit the equal of any previous great Dagueneau vintages.

After the hot 2009, the 2010 vintage in the Loire saw a return to normality with a cool start leading into a mild summer that seemed to peak at just the right time for harvest. In consequence, the vintage looks to be excellent and comparable to the legendary 2002s.

Although allocations are down this year, exchange rate fluctuations mean that we are able to keep the prices for these iconic wines either static or, in some cases, actually pass on a small reduction.

 

“We are very satisfied with 2010. We have not too high alcohol degrees and very nice acidities” - Charlotte Dagueneau

NB. This year will be the first that the wines are labelled as being from Louis-Benjamin Dagueneau.

 

 

2010 Blanc Fumé de Pouilly - £175.00 per case (6x75) in bond

“Fresh lime and lemon – along with the bite of their pips – render Dagueneau’s 2010 Blanc Fume de Pouilly (just before bottling) refreshing and invigorating. Cut, bell-like clarity, and shimmering interchange of citrus, herb, salt, and stone lead to a ringing persistence that reels you in for the next sip, an appeal that I don’t expect will fade for at least the next half dozen years”

91-92+ David Schildknecht (Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate)

1 Cases available.

 

2010 Pouilly Fumé Buisson Renard - £250.00 per case (6x75) in bond

“Louis-Benjamin Dagueneau’s 2010 Blanc Fume de Pouilly Buisson Renard displays prominently piquant nuttiness along with pronounced bite of citrus rind and pineapple core, all of which guarantee a stimulating experience from what he calls “the style of wine I adore” for its density, richness and amplitude. That said, I personally much prefer as well as find more remarkable the clarity and vivacity of the estate’s “regular” 2010 Pouilly. There is certainly impressive grip to the peat- and stone-tinged finish of this Buisson Renard and I don’t doubt it will remain a formidable libation for at least the next half dozen years”

90-91 David Schildknecht (Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate)

0 Cases available.

 

2010 Pouilly Fumé Pur Sang - £230.00 per case (6x75) in bond

“Musky, faintly fusil, smoky, and pungent citrus oil aromas introduce the Dagueneau 2010 Blanc Fume de Pouilly Pur Sang, all of which have their piquant tactile and flavor counterparts on a dense but bright palate. Maritime saline and alkaline notes stimulate the salivary glands; nut oils add deep richness to a juicy matrix of grapefruit and lemon; while chalk, stone, and smoky black tea serve inform a dynamic interplay that lingers long and deliciously. This is one of those Dagueneau wines that display a hint of spice and sweetness borne of oak, but this is well-integrated into the superbly complex whole that is this outstanding (immediately pre-bottling) performance. I would expect to derive excitement for at least the next decade”

92-93 David Schildknecht (Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate)

0 Cases available.

 

2010 Pouilly Fumé Silex - £310.00 per case (6x75) in bond

“A pungent suggestion of diverse hedge flowers and high-toned herbs rises from the glass of Dagueneau 2010 Blanc Fume de Pouilly Silex; then migrates to a palate dominated by succulent grapefruit, white peach, and cassis. Breadth, opulence, sheer extract, a silken texture, and high glycerin, all seem to enhance this Sauvignon’s sense of sweet ripeness, though citrus zest and berry skin lend satisfying counterpoint. There is resonance and depth to the finish here, and if for now not quite the dazzling complexity of the corresponding Sancerre Monts Damnes, then certainly a compelling performance that promises to be worth revisiting over the next dozen or more years.”

93-94 David Schildknecht (Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate)

5 Cases available.

As well as the world beating Pouilly Fumés, Domaine Didier Dagueneau have a sister estate in Jurançon; this slightly less famous (but no less superb) estate produce truly world-beating sweet wines from this classic region.

 

 

2009 Jurançon Les Jardins de Babylone -  £345.00 per case (6x50cl) in bond

Having always been interested in producing sweet wines, in 2002, Didier Dagueneau sought out an area that in his opinion, was not fully realising its potential. In Babylone, at the foot of the Pyrenees south of Pau, he found a few hectares located in a natural amphitheatre. Dagueneau's approach there is to produce wines that bring out the natural minerality of the soil and have, above all else, balance, harmony, and longevity. 

3 Cases available.

 

These wines are offered En Primeur and are due to be shipped early in 2013. As ever these wines are in extremely short supply so please either contact us HERE.

We are delighted to offer the new releases of what is broadly regarded as South Africa’s very own First Growth – Meerlust Estate.  To date, we haven’t found a South African producer that rival’s Meerlust’s quality and reputation. Genesis' new boy Stuart Rankine knows the Estate very well having first visited in 2004 leading up to 2008 when he enjoyed a hands-on week helping Cellar master Chris Williams with his latest vintage (some of which are offered below).

We cannot recommend these wines highly enough and they thoroughly deserve a place in every wine-lover’s cellar.

Long recognized for producing world-class wines, Meerlust Estate has been the pride of the Myburgh family since 1756. Today, the traditional dedication to the art of winemaking continues under the guidance of Hannes Myburgh, eighth generation custodian of this seventeenth-century national monument. Meerlust, with its historic manor house, classic wine cellar, family cemetery, dovecote and bird sanctuary is situated fifteen kilometres south of Stellenbosch, with the blue crescent of False Bay a mere five kilometres away.

The Estate is uniquely positioned for the production of wines with exceptional complexity and character. In the summertime, ocean breezes and evening mists roll in from the coast to cool the vineyards.

The grapes ripen slowly, thus achieving full, concentrated varietal flavours. The soil consists of predominantly deep, well drained Hutton and Clovelly soil types, affording the vines excellent drought resistance and an ideal substrata for producing concentrated, complex wines. One hundred and ten hectares are planted with varieties such as Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Pinot Noir.

 

Meerlust Chardonnay 2010 - £210.00 per case (12x75) inc VAT

Picked by hand, partial whole bunch pressing and immediate transfer of free run to 300 litre French Oak Hogsheads. 60% new barrels, 40% second fill. Fermentation in oak, partial un-inoculated fermentation. Partial malolactic fermentation. Maturation in oak for 12 months with occasional lees stirring before bottling.

“Very youthful, vivid and with a brilliant bright platinum colour and pronounced green hue. Complex nose with citrus fruit, green apple & cream flavours, the nose becomes creamy & nutty with delicious bouquet of marzipan, halva & oatmeal. On the palate the wine is full bodied & generous, but still balanced by crispy acidity. There is ripe tropical fruit & creaminess balanced by a pure minerality typical of the variety. The wine has a long, very pleasant lingering finish indicating the richness and persistence of the vintage.” - Meerlust Estate

Meerlust Red 2010 - £132.00 per case (12x75) inc VAT

I often think of the Red as a baby Rubicon.  It has a similar blend of grapes and more or less follows the same winemaking pattern, just with a little less time in new oak.  It is a great every day, claret-style red wine.  And a complete bargain.

“Harvested at optimum ripeness, the Cabernet and Merlot grapes were fermented separately before undergoing malolactic fermentation in French oak barriques. The blend was further barrel matured for 16 months before being bottled. The nose is expressive with lifted dark fruit, cassis, plum, chocolate and black cherry. There is a pronounced minerality on the nose with graphite, cedar smoke and cigar box bouquet. On the palate the Red is open textured with a rich juiciness, cassis fruit and savoury quality already, while the ripe, structured tannins will allow further bottle aging.” - Meerlust Estate

 

Meerlust Merlot 2008 - £210.00 per case (12x75) inc VAT

Fermentation in stainless steel tanks with partial un-inoculated fermentation. Daily remontage and delistage for gentle extraction. A portion of the wine was given extended maceration on the skins for four weeks before pressing. Malolactic fermentation took place in 300 litre French oak Hogsheads. Maturation in 65% new Nevers French oak, 35% second fill Nevers for 17 months before bottling. The Meerlust Merlot 2008 is a blend of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc for structure.

“Deep, youthful purple colour with a ruby rim. Intense dark fruit on the nose, mulberry and damson plum with hints of dark chocolate and spice. The full bodied palate offers generous, ripe, pure Merlot fruit with refreshing acidity, structured yet silky tannins and pronounced length and minerality. There is a core of juiciness, opulence and richness typical of the variety.” - Meerlust Estate

 

Meerlust Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 – £222.00 per case (12x75) inc VAT

The fruit was vinified in the traditional manner with partial un-innoculated fermentation and regular remontage. Only the free-run wine was used and aged for 18 months in tight grained French Nevers oak barrels. 80% of the barrels were brand new with 20% second fill casks.

“The Meerlust Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 has an intense, vivid purple colour with slight gradation at the rim. On the nose the wine shows intense cassis, plum and classic cedar wood-cigar box notes with lifted dark fruit aromas. On the palate the wine is full bodied and impressively structured. Intense blackcurrant and plum fruit bolstered by refined tannins and fresh natural acidity. The palate is rich and dense with a wonderful lacy tannic structure. Very impressive in youth but the intensity, harmony and balance all promise maturation over the next 15 years.” - Meerlust Estate

 

Meerlust Pinot Noir 2010 - £228.00 per case (12x75) inc VAT

Fermentation in small stainless steel cuvees with regular pigeage for gentle extraction. Partial un-inoculated fermentation before pressing directly in French oak tight grained Hogsheads for malolactic fermentation. After racking, the wine was matured in 60% new Allier Hogsheads and 40% second fill Hogsheads for 11 months before bottling.

“Intense translucent youthful purple-ruby appearance. Very forthcoming perfume on the nose with musk, wild strawberry, cranberry and hints of savoury richness and spice and a pronounced minerality. The palate is medium bodied with pure Pinot Noir fruit flavours of plum and red cherry supported by an ultra-fine, densely textured tannin structure which adds to the volume and vivacity of the wine.” - Meerlust Estate

 

Meerlust Rubicon 2007 - £258.00 per case (12x75) inc VAT***

The Cabernet's were given quite lengthy macerations to ensure complete extraction of the perfectly ripe fruit, but the Merlot was given even longer post fermentation maceration to encourage complete polymerization of complex tannins and adds a broad, juicy and silky texture to the blend as a whole. Malolactic fermentation was completed in the barrel for 6 months before assessment and assemblage. The wine spent a total of 20 months in 70% new  French Nevers oak with 30% 2nd  fill Nevers and Alliers barrels.

“Five Stars - Platter's Wine Guide 2012. Very deep, youthful colour, intense almost purple hue. Very classic Rubicon nose with violets, ripe plum, cedar wood and intense spiciness. Still young and intense, promising further maturation potential. The palate is full bodied, structured but packed with fresh dark fruit and rounded, linear tannins.” - Meerlust Estate

***A limited supply of Magnums are available – please enquire

If you would like a case or two of any of these fantastic wines then please contact us HERE.

 

We are delighted to offer the superb 2010 vintage from Brewer Clifton, the legendary producers from California’s Santa Barbara region. The area came to prominence in the early 1990s and is particularly known for being the location of some of the most pro-active and innovative producers anywhere in the US.

Brewer-Clifton was founded by Greg Brewer and Steve Clifton. As the former notes; “It is our primary goal and priority to deliver the essence of the vineyard as clearly and honestly as possible.” They do this by sourcing parcels, which they vinify and bottle separately, from growers in all corners of the county.

Along with the fantastic Brewer Clifton wines we are thrilled to be able to offer the Melville Vineyards wines, also produced by head wine maker Greg Brewer. Owned and run by the Melville family this estate began its life with a similar Burgundian obsession that bought Ron Melville together with Greg Brewer, initially selling him their grapes and eventually creating a superb partnership in their Santa Ynez winery.

We are huge fans of these wines here at Genesis and the initial verdict on the 2010 vintage is extremely exciting. They really prove that whereas Pinot Noir struggles in the Sonoma and Napa valleys, ironically further south in the Santa Barbara area (and specifically in the Santa Rita Hills appellation) where the cooling Pacific breeze benefits the vines so much that great Pinot is more than possible in California. We rate the wines here along side some of the best names in Burgundy.

As ever quantities of these wines are very limited and are likely to be in strong demand. Contact us to secure your allocation. Wines are priced in bond and will be shipped in October 2012.

 

Brewer-Clifton, Santa Rita Hills Pinot Noir 2010 - £240.00 per case (12x75) in bond

“Dark plum, anise, and Pu-erh tea aromatics set the stage for the flavors of dried cherries, dried wild mushroom and baker’s cocoa flavors that follow. Tender and cohesive in the mouth with a very firm and savory palate impression and finish.” – Brewer Clifton

90 Antonio Galloni (Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate)

Brewer-Clifton, Cargasacchi Pinot Noir 2010 - £360.00 per case (12x75) in bond

“Savory aromas of sandalwood, cured meat and soy set the tone for subsequent flavors of dried strawberry, black cherry, dried orange peel and black tea. Firm and dry palate impression with tremendously spicy length..” – Brewer Clifton

89 Antonio Galloni (Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate)

Brewer-Clifton , Melville Pinot Noir 2010 - £324.00 per case (12x75) in bond

“Aromas reminiscent of wild strawberry, black tea and pine needles usher in flavors of sour cherry, rosemary and cinnamon powder. Very firm and dry tactile impression in the mouth with tremendous length in the finish.” – Brewer Clifton

92 Antonio Galloni (Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate)

Brewer-Clifton, Mount Carmel Pinot Noir 2010 - £336.00 per case (12x75) in bond

“Raspberry, dried orange peel and spicy aromatics set the stage for the flavors of rhubarb, dried cherry and damp earth which follow. Extremely elegant and noble mouth feel supported by fine tannins and restrained richness.” – Brewer Clifton

93 Antonio Galloni (Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate)

 

Brewer-Clifton, Santa Rita Hills Chardonnay 2010 - £216.00 per case (12x75) in bond

“Rich aromas of lemon, kiwi, orange blossom and sweet basil are followed by a more precise flavor profile of jasmine, lime and ginger.  Extremely taut, focused and dry palate impression.” – Brewer Clifton

91 Antonio Galloni (Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate)

92 Josh Raynolds, (Steven Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar)

 

Brewer-Clifton, Gnesa Chardonnay 2010 - £288.00 per case (12x75) in bond

“Aromas of white pepper, chalk and lime followed by flavors of verbena, basil and lemon bar. Extremely taut, drying and focused palate impression.” – Brewer Clifton

92 Antonio Galloni (Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate)

93 Josh Raynolds, (Steven Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar)

 

Brewer-Clifton, Sweeney Canyon Chardonnay 2010 - £306.00 per case (12x75) in bond

“Vivid yellow-gold. High-pitched aromas of fresh orchard fruits, minerals, honeysuckle and white pepper show serious power and focus. Deep, palate-staining and precise, with impressive thrust to its pear and Meyer lemon flavors. Picks up smoke and iodine qualities with air, along with suggestions of licorice and chamomile. Rich but lively and incisive, with superb finishing clarity and lingering florality. This just refuses to let up, which is no problem for me. Wow!” - Josh Raynolds

90 Antonio Galloni (Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate)

93 Josh Raynolds, (Steven Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar)

Brewer-Clifton, Mount Carmel Chardonnay 2010 - £324.00 per case (12x75) in bond

“Apricot, white nectarine and hazelnut aromatics followed by flavors of white peach, rinsed minerals and dried apricot. Remarkably elegant possessing singular weight, volume and refinement and a seemingly endless finish.” – Brewer Clifton

89 Antonio Galloni (Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate)

93 Josh Raynolds, (Steven Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar)

 

Melville Vineyards, Estate Pinot Noir 2010 - £210.00 per case (12x75) in bond

“Deep ruby red in color with an opulent and complex nose of black tea, persimmon, chinese five-spice, and pumpkin pie.  Fresh red and blue fruit components of plum duck sauce, raspberry reduction, and bing cherry weave seamlessly on the palate along with umami-like notes of, dashi, chanterelles, nori, and miso. The mouthfeel is plush and complete yet finishes with elegance and restraint.” – Melville Vineyards

91 Antonio Galloni (Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate)

 

Melville Vineyards, Carrie’s Pinot Noir 2010 - £138.00 per case (6x75) in bond

“The darkest and most powerful of our small lot collection Pinot Noirs, the Carrie's bottling is layered with richness. Cool notes of rosemary, ginger, and exotic tea leaf are intertwined with the warmth of ripe persimmon, mulberry and holiday spice. Savory notes of tamari, applewood, uni and plum play with perfumed white flower and juniper. The palate impression is generous and complete and finishes with significant texture and weight. 60% whole cluster.” – Melville Vineyards

94 Antonio Galloni (Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate)

 

Melville Vineyards, Estate Chardonnay 2010 - £186.00 per case (12x75) in bond

“Bright yellow gold in color, concentrated aromatics of star anise, tarragon, ripe lemon, and flint emerge from the glass.  Impressions of raw pine nuts, quinine, tangerine leaf, and citrus oil flood the palate while notes of pie crust, green apple skin, pink grapefruit, and fresh chanterelles float in the background.  The mouthfeel is round and complete with a full, lengthy finish.” – Melville Vineyards

90 Josh Raynolds, (Steven Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar)

Melville Vineyards, Verna’s Viognier 2010 - £186.00 per case (12x75) in bond

“Boasting a bright green-gold hue, pure exotic expressions of kiwi fruit, loquat, mango, and star fruit emerge from the glass while notes of muddled mint, honeydew melon, rock salt, and plantain flirt in the background.  The mouth-feel is round and generous with bright acidity weaving through highlighting an elegant and restrained finish.” – Melville Vineyards

91 Josh Raynolds, (Steven Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar)

If you would like a case or two of any of these fantastic wines please contact us HERE.

In light of the recent sporting spectacular we seem to have developed a more optimistic outlook on this less than perfect summer here at Genesis. With that in mind I feel it’s about time to shout about some of the slightly less well known, though no less superb summer whites in our portfolio.

Austrian wines have had a bit of a bad rap in recent decades for one reason or another, but with the rising interest in its flagship indigenous grape, Gruner Veltliner, and the amount of work and funding that has gone into the industry this stigma has been thoroughly shaken off in recent years.

One of the estates that have been spearheading this quality standpoint is the superb Weingut Geyerhof in Kremstal: an organic, 15hectre estate situated on the downward slopes of the Danube Valley. Owned by Ilse and Josef Maier, Geyerhof now produce some of the finest wines in the region.

 

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These wines are in stock and available for immediate dispatch, if you would like more information on any of these wines please call us on 020 7963 9060.